These podcasts explore the complex beginnings of the early Christian movement, particularly focusing on the role of James, the brother of Jesus, and the Jakobusgemeinde (the Jerusalem community associated with James). They contrast the social and cultural context of first-century Palestine, characterized by Gemeinschaft (community-oriented society), with contemporary Western societies. The authors analyze various sources, including Paul's letters, the Book of Acts, and the writings of Josephus and other ancient texts, to understand the dynamics between different early Christian factions, especially the Jerusalem leadership (James and the Pillars) and Paul's Gentile mission. The discussions highlight tensions surrounding Torah adherence, Gentile inclusion, and the varying perceptions of Jesus' significance and the authority of figures like Peter and James in different traditions. The texts also consider the possible origins of the Jakobusgemeinde, suggesting it may have emerged from an existing Jerusalem group, potentially with ties to John the Baptist's movement and influenced by the social and economic conditions of the time.
James the Brother of Jesus (8 Podcasts)
The Ascents Of James: History and Theology of a Jewish-Christian Community
The Ascents of James : The Lost Acts of Jesus’ Family
A Black Hole at the Galactic Center of Early Jewish Christianity?